A new initiative aimed at increasing the presence of locally made medical technologies in healthcare services has been announced with the formation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA). 

The Alliance, spearheaded by the BioMelbourne Network, builds on the foundation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and will pilot its efforts in Victoria.

The AMMA brings together several key industry partners, including AusBiotech, MTPConnect, AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited), and ICN Victoria (Industry Capability Network), with seed funding support from the Victorian Government.

Focus on advocacy and local procurement

The Alliance aims to address procurement barriers that currently limit the uptake of Australian-made medical technologies within the domestic healthcare system.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network, highlighted the importance of the initiative in creating sustainable local opportunities.

“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said.

“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance and serve as a stepping stone for advancing the national agenda.”

Call for industry support

The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing or developing products for local or international markets to join the Alliance.

Contract manufacturing firms are also encouraged to participate. While peak industry bodies involved in the initiative offer formal memberships, the AMMA has clarified that becoming an Alliance supporter is not contingent on membership.

The Alliance aims to work closely with these peak bodies to build on existing industry efforts, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow both locally and internationally.

New uplift program in development

The AMMA is also co-developing a capability uplift program to help medtech manufacturers identify and secure opportunities within the domestic health system.

The initiative aims to address this gap by creating clearer pathways into the health sector, mirroring practices in other international markets.

The AMMA said establishing strong domestic customers will serve as crucial proof points for Australian products and attract further investment in medical innovation.

The Alliance’s efforts aim to unlock opportunities within the healthcare sector to ensure Australian patients benefit from locally made technologies.

Companies interested in joining the Alliance or participating in the capability uplift program can express their interest directly through the AMMA.

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Altech Batteries has announced a milestone in its Silumina Anodes technology, achieving an average 55 per cent increase in lithium battery anode energy capacity, building on its previous 30 per cent improvement.

Utilising innovative proprietary technology, Altech has blended alumina-coated silicon particles (10 per cent) with battery-grade graphite to create a composite graphite/silicon anode, the company said in an ASX announcement.  

“We are thrilled with the significant progress we have made in overcoming the critical challenges associated with using silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes,” stated CEO and Managing Director Iggy Tan. 

In a series of tests, Altech’s lithium-ion battery anode material demonstrated an average energy retention capacity of approximately 500 mAh/g, surpassing the typical average of 320 mAh/g for standard lithium-ion battery anodes. 

Altech previously reported advancements in battery technology, highlighting the development of lithium-ion battery anode materials with a retention capacity approximately 30 per cent higher than standard materials. 

Following this progress, Altech’s research and development laboratory in Perth, Western Australia, has been working to enhance the technology even further.

Laboratory tests of the composite graphite/silicon batteries revealed that Altech effectively tackled previously unresolved issues associated with silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes.

Notable challenges included silicon particle swelling, first-cycle capacity loss of up to 50 per cent, and rapid battery degradation. 

Through the spherification of silicon particles, Altech found that the spherical structure allows for better distribution within graphite voids, minimizing damage to the electrode layer due to expansion.

Historically, the use of silicon in commercial lithium-ion batteries has been limited due to two critical drawbacks: the expansion of silicon particles during charging and the deactivation of a significant percentage of lithium ions, which diminishes battery performance and lifespan, the company noted. 

Altech has completed a Definitive Feasibility Study for constructing an 8,000 tpa Silumina Anodes plant in Saxony, Germany, projecting strong economic returns with a pre-tax NPV10 of €684 million and a low capital cost of €112 million.

“Our breakthrough technology represents a major step forward in unlocking the full potential of silicon in lithium-ion batteries, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionise the battery industry,” Tan stated.  

“We are currently commissioning a pilot plant to further scale up our technology and bring it to market,” he concluded.

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Solvol, a heavy-duty hand cleaning soap brand, has made its return to Australia with a new and improved formula.

The updated Solvol Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner combines a cleaning agent with natural essential oils and fine pumice granules, allowing it to remove dirt, grease, oil, paint, ink, and solvents, as revealed in a news release.  

According to the company, the new formula aims to deliver a tough cleaning experience while keeping hands clean, soft, and moisturised.

Rosemary Murphy, Product Manager at Solvol, expressed enthusiasm for the product’s reintroduction. 

“For over a century, Solvol has been synonymous with quality and effectiveness for Australians who need a hand cleaner that can tackle even the grimiest jobs,” she stated. 

“Whether you’re a tradesperson, gardener, DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys getting hands-on, Solvol is the trusted ally that ensures your hands are left clean.”

The Solvol Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner is available in a 100g bar for a recommended retail price of $7.00. 

It can be found at various retailers across the country, including Bunnings Warehouse, Mitre 10, The Reject Shop, and Total Tools. 

The product is also free from GMOs, parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), phthalates, and microplastics, promoting an environmentally friendly option for consumers.

For more details about Solvol and its product offerings, visit www.solvol.com.au.

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Hazer Group has extended its non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co, Ltd (Tokyo, Japan), pushing forward joint efforts to explore potential markets for Hazer’s low-emissions graphite. 

The agreement, which builds on the original MOU announced on 16 November 2022, will now continue for another year, with automatic renewals unless terminated by either party, as revealed in an ASX announcement. 

The partnership leverages Mitsui’s extensive global network to evaluate the applications of Hazer’s graphite in steel manufacturing, chemicals, and other sectors. 

Hazer has already conducted positive market analysis, identifying promising segments for its graphite, including iron and steel production, thermal energy storage, and water purification.

“We are excited to be extending our strategic partnership with Mitsui,” said Hazer’s CEO and Managing Director, Glenn Corrie. 

“Hazer’s technology is unique in that it produces both low-cost, clean hydrogen as well as a low-emissions graphite product.”

Initial investigations have pointed to a variety of applications for Hazer’s graphite:

• Steel Manufacturing: Hazer’s graphite demonstrates suitability for both traditional blast furnaces and emerging green-steel processes, owing to its structured composition and iron inclusion.
• Thermal Energy Storage: Its excellent thermal conductivity and stability make it an efficient medium for heat transfer.
• Water Purification: Hazer’s graphite has shown potential for enhanced PFAS removal, a growing environmental concern.
• Construction Materials: The graphite is also being evaluated for asphalt, bitumen, and concrete production.

According to Corrie, the collaboration with Mitsui helps Hazer access challenging markets and critical industries where decarbonisation solutions are in high demand. 

“In light of increased global awareness around the vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains, this is a clear value differentiator for Hazer’s technology in the methane pyrolysis space,” he added.

As part of the extended agreement, the two companies will move forward with further product evaluation and larger sample testing from Hazer’s Commercial Demonstration Plant (CDP). 

Both companies will also engage with potential buyers to establish volumes, pricing frameworks, and potential offtake agreements.

“Through this important partnership with Mitsui, we have jointly identified markets that offer a good fit for our graphite, and discussions are ongoing to establish volume, pricing ranges, and potential offtake opportunities,” Corrie explained.

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Cognizant announced enhancements to its Cognizant Neuro AI platform, designed to help enterprises identify, prototype, and scale artificial intelligence (AI) use cases. 

The upgrades aim to improve decision-making processes and open new revenue opportunities for businesses across various industries, the company said in a media release.

A study conducted by Cognizant in partnership with Oxford Economics found that 76 per cent of enterprises are seeking to generate new revenue streams through AI but face difficulties implementing cross-enterprise solutions.

The report also revealed that 70 per cent of businesses feel they are not progressing fast enough in deploying AI effectively.

The enhanced platform addresses these challenges by offering tools that allow business leaders to identify relevant problems, generate synthetic data or import anonymized data, and develop AI models within minutes.

It also provides predictive insights to guide decisions and assess the impact of various use cases.

The upgraded platform, now available to Cognizant clients, supports a range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and finance.

It has already been used in multiple pilot projects and is designed to help organisations apply AI across operations such as inventory management, fraud detection, and staff allocation.

Murali Vridhachalam, head of Cloud, Data, and Analytics at Gilead Sciences, noted the platform’s potential to streamline AI adoption.

“Many enterprises struggle to apply AI beyond predicting outcomes because solving real business problems involves navigating numerous scenarios with conflicting priorities. The Neuro AI platform provides a comprehensive framework to deploy AI use cases across various applications and unlock new business opportunities.”

Bayer Crop Science also tested the platform’s capabilities for agricultural decision-making.

“Agriculture is one of the most challenging professions, requiring intricate decision-making amid environmental uncertainties and the need to balance social, economic, and environmental objectives,” said Patricio Salvatore La Rosa, head of Decision Science at Bayer Crop Science.

He explained,  “We have directly tested several foundational components of Cognizant Neuro® AI, especially LEAF, which has empowered us to navigate complex scenarios effectively. By harnessing the collaborative capabilities of specialized Gen AI agents, we look forward to addressing intricate decision-making challenges in a reliable, transparent, and trustworthy manner.”

The enhancements include new features such as Opportunity Finder, a tool that uses large language models (LLMs) to identify potential AI applications for businesses.

A Model Orchestrator allows users to prepare data and apply machine learning models through a drag-and-drop interface.

The platform uses multi-agent AI technology to predict outcomes and prescribe decisions, offering businesses transparency and scalability in their AI efforts.

Babak Hodjat, chief technology officer of AI at Cognizant, emphasised the platform’s focus on decision-making.

“Businesses are struggling with how and where to apply AI to solve business problems, and that’s why we’ve seen most AI use cases limited to prediction-based outcomes or single LLM chat-based solutions.”

Analysts are increasingly focusing on multi-agent AI as a way to solve complex business challenges.

Gartner has reported that collaborative AI agents can achieve more adaptable and scalable results by working toward shared objectives.

Neil Ward-Dutton, vice president of Automation, AI, and Analytics at IDC, said multi-agent tools can accelerate the adoption of AI:

He noted, “As enterprises start to try to approach AI strategically, and move beyond experimentation, they are crying out to understand how to identify and prioritize use cases. Providers that can use technology to help accelerate the identification of use cases, and then use that technology to test and scale implementations, will be in a strong position.”

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ClearVue Technologies announced it has raised approximately $7.5 million through an institutional placement to advance its commercialisation efforts in the U.S. and support global operations.

The placement will see the issuance of 23.4 million fully paid ordinary shares at A$0.32 per share, representing a 21 per cent discount to the company’s last closing price on 14 October 2024, and a 24 per cent discount to its 15-day volume-weighted average price.

“A primary objective for the board and management has been to introduce the company to the institutional investment market,” said ClearVue CEO Martin Deil. 

“The current capital raise has successfully expanded our registry to include a diverse mix of new institutional and professional investors, who constituted the majority of the placement, with a smaller portion coming from sophisticated investors.”

Deil noted that many of the new institutional investors are based in Hong Kong, a key market for ClearVue in Asia. 

“The Hong Kong market is a key focus for the company, as evidenced by our engagement with the Hong Kong government through the EMSD solar glass study announced in March 2023,” he said. 

“The study is continuing but importantly has led to several commercial discussions that we anticipate will convert to sales in the future.”

The funds will be allocated towards expanding the company’s operations in the United States, including infrastructure and staffing to support its growing sales pipeline.

Additionally, ClearVue said it aims to invest in systems and inventory to strengthen global sales capabilities.

“A secondary objective through this raise has been to ensure the company is funded for the next steps in its commercialisation journey,” Deil added. “Funds raised will support execution of our growing sales pipeline through additional staff and infrastructure in the US.”

ClearVue also said it plans to use a portion of the capital to develop software systems, including an ERP system for global product delivery, quality assurance, and data collection from completed projects. 

These systems will enable the company to track energy and carbon performance, positioning it to benefit from future carbon credit regimes.

The placement builds on ClearVue’s earlier capital raise, which supported the development and testing of its Gen-2 products and led to several early projects, including collaborations with CFMEU in Melbourne and Prefabulous in New South Wales.

Bell Potter Securities Limited acted as the lead manager for the placement. Settlement of the new shares is scheduled for October 22, with the shares expected to be allotted on 23 October..

The issue will utilise the company’s existing ASX Listing Rule 7.1 placement capacity, accounting for approximately 9.7 per cent of ClearVue’s current shares on issue. 

The newly issued shares will rank equally with the company’s existing fully paid ordinary shares.

“We are also pleased to have completed the raise despite real or perceived market uncertainties, including those surrounding the upcoming U.S. election in November,” Deil concluded.

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Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research) has released its latest report, Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing in 2024, projecting the market for titanium powders in additive manufacturing (AM) to grow from $214 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion by 2032.

According to the research organisation, the report offers data on market trends, tracking revenues across industries, regions, and printing technologies. 

It also identifies aerospace and medical sectors as key drivers of titanium powder demand, with additional contributions from jewellery and automotive applications.

According to the report, Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) accounts for the largest share of titanium AM applications, with revenues four times higher than those from Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and twelve times larger than Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ). 

The Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) market remains the smallest segment, estimated at half the size of MBJ.

However, the report forecasts MBJ will see notable growth by 2032, potentially closing the gap with DED.

The study highlights several companies active in the titanium AM market, including AP&C, Tekna, Carpenter, Praxair, Sandvik, 6K Additive, and IperionX. 

It also references manufacturing and technology providers such as GE Additive, EOS, Renishaw, Boeing, Safran, and Zimmer Biomet, among others.

The report, structured in two parts, combines market data with written analysis. It covers metrics such as material shipments, revenues by geographic region, and print technology trends. 

Additionally, it explores the role of Titanium Metal Injection Molding (MIM) within the broader titanium AM market.

The full report, including forecasts and industry insights, is available for purchase on the AM Research website. 

A free sample can also be requested.

For more details, visit: Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing in 2024.

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Autodesk announced the launch of new AI-powered capabilities within its Fusion and Alias software, designed to streamline manufacturing workflows and boost efficiency. 

The new tools, unveiled during Autodesk University’s annual Design & Make conference, aims to simplify complex tasks and empower manufacturers to deliver innovative products faster.

“For decades, manufacturers have responded to their customers’ demands for increasingly complex products, which in turn typically increases the complexity of designing and manufacturing those products,” said Jeff Kinder, executive vice president for Product Development and Manufacturing Solutions at Autodesk.

The new capabilities include AutoConstrain in Fusion, which automates the process of detecting and maintaining design relationships, saving designers significant time.

Another feature, Drawing Automation, generates 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D models at the click of a button, accelerating production timelines.

“Automations that handle error-prone, burdensome tasks, freeing people to focus on high-value, more rewarding work,” added Kinder.

Autodesk also introduced Form Explorer for Alias, a generative design tool enabling automotive designers to explore creative forms while adhering to historical styling cues.

In addition, the Autodesk Assistant in Fusion offers real-time, expert-level guidance, providing answers to technical questions and links to relevant sources within the software.

Kinder noted, “Imagine an AI assistant that flags supply chain risks. Simulations that push designers toward more sustainable and manufacturable designs.”

“We’re building these capabilities, as well as empowering our customers to build them.”

New manufacturing Data Model API launched

Autodesk has also launched a Manufacturing Data Model API to enhance data exchange and interoperability.

This new API allows third-party apps to integrate with Fusion projects, ensuring smooth collaboration between tools and workflows.

OpenBOM has developed a web-based solution that automates bill of materials (BOM) workflows, giving non-designers easy access to BOMs directly from design data and eliminating the need for manual, error-prone processes.

Meanwhile, Cideon has established a two-way integration between Autodesk Fusion and SAP, allowing CAD engineers and manufacturers to access SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) data within Fusion.

Expanding the ecosystem for seamless collaboration

Recognising the need for connected tools, Autodesk said it continues to partner with over 150 hardware and software providers. Recent integrations include:

• Paperless Parts: Allows manufacturing estimators to generate instant quotes and address manufacturability issues within Fusion.
• Avnet Plugin: Enables electronics designers to source components and access reference designs directly in Fusion, reducing product development time.
• Makersite for Inventor: Offers sustainability insights by calculating environmental impacts, tracking progress toward eco-friendly goals, and suggesting material alternatives.
• NAVASTO for Alias Automotive: Brings wind tunnel simulations into the early design phase, helping automotive designers optimize aerodynamics and reduce redesign efforts.

“As an industry, we have an unprecedented opportunity to seize the value that AI, data, and digitisation offer. To do so, we must start by accessing and interconnecting the data to uncover the insights it offers,” Kinder stated.

“That’s why we’re so invested in continuing to build the Autodesk Fusion industry cloud. It’s the design and make platform for manufacturing. It’s a central environment for data, closely coupled with Autodesk AI to augment creativity, automate your workflow’s tedious tasks, and analyse project data to yield predictive insights that benefit business,” concluded Kinder.

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Parkes residents now have a new destination to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Parkes Services Club.

This latest addition marks the third return point in the Parkes Shire Council area, giving locals increased opportunities to participate in the recycling scheme and earn a 10-cent refund per container, as revealed in a news release. 

“Parkes Share Council residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over39.4 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the operator of the Return and Earn network.

The new machine offers several refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Coles or opt for digital payments directly to their bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app. 

Additionally, residents can donate their refunds to various charitable partners listed in the app.

One of the key donation options currently available is a state-wide appeal supporting Little Wings, a charity that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas of NSW, helping them access critical medical treatment.

Since the scheme’s inception, more than 12 billion containers have been recycled through the network of over 630 return points across NSW, putting over $1.2 billion back into the community through refunds.

Return and Earn serves as a fundraising platform for numerous charities and community groups across NSW, generating over $62 million through donations and hosting fees since its launch.

Dorney emphasised the importance of the new Parkes machine in encouraging locals to make recycling part of their daily habits. 

“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials from our bottles, cans, and cartons are kept in use and out of landfill,” Dorney said.

The new machine is located in the Parkes Services Club car park at 20 Caledonia Street and operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

For more details, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.

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Sponsored content for APS Industrial

In today’s industrial sector, the demand for reliable, efficient, and space-saving electrical solutions is critical, particularly in the challenging environments of Australian industry. 

To address these needs, APS Industrial has launched the APS Power 3 Phase and Neutral RCBO, specifically engineered to meet the stringent requirements of Australian applications.

Purpose-built for Australian industry

The APS Power 3 Phase and Neutral RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) is an addition to the APS DB family of distribution boards. This device has been purpose-built for Australian conditions, incorporating features that enhance both usability and safety. 

The APS Power RCBO is compliant with the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 61009.1, demonstrating its alignment with key regulatory requirements for performance and reliability.

Key features and specifications

One of the standout features of the APS Power range is its 10 kA interrupting capacity, which provides robust protection against overcurrent situations. 

This high interrupting capacity is crucial in industrial settings, where the potential for electrical faults can be significant, according to APS. 

Additionally, the Type A RCD tripping characteristic ensures that the device can effectively detect and disconnect in the event of a residual current fault, further enhancing safety.

The APS Power range includes nine models, with current ratings ranging from 6A to 63A, each equipped with C curve overcurrent protection. 

According to APS, this selection allows for versatile applications across different industrial environments, catering to varying load requirements.

Another advantage of this RCBO is its fixed 30 mA residual current sensitivity setting. 

This sensitivity level is considered optimal for ensuring the protection of human life and equipment, particularly in environments where electrical hazards are a concern. 

Coupled with a toggle-free operation, users can expect seamless functionality without the risk of accidental switching.

Compact design for space efficiency

Space constraints are a common challenge in distribution board installations. The APS Power 3 Phase RCBO is designed with this in mind, measuring just 54mm in width. 

This compact design allows for maximum space-saving in distribution boards, making it easier to accommodate multiple devices without compromising on safety or performance.

To further facilitate installation, each RCBO is supplied with a 900 mm long neutral reference lead (in blue). 

For more information on the APS Power 3 Phase and Neutral RCBO, visit apsindustrial.com.au.

_{The content of this article is based on information supplied by APS Industrial. Please consult a licence and/ or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.}

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